TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Lawyers for Jayson Williams asked an appeals court Wednesday to dismiss manslaughter charges against the former NBA star, arguing the grand jury indictment was flawed.

Defense attorneys said the grand jury never should have been told that Williams exercised his right to remain silent after a limousine driver was shot to death at Williams' mansion early Feb. 14.

They also accused prosecutors of introducing rumors connecting Williams to organized crime. The grand jury indicted Williams on a more serious manslaughter charge than the one he originally faced, tripling the maximum sentence.

Hunterdon County Prosecutor Steven C. Lember did not immediately return calls seeking comment Wednesday. Jury selection in the trial is scheduled for Feb. 18.

Williams, 34, is accused of recklessly handling the shotgun that killed Costas Christofi, and then trying to make the shooting look self-inflicted. Two other men charged in the alleged cover-up have pleaded guilty and agreed to testify against him.

He could face nearly 45 years in prison if convicted on all charges.

Williams was among the NBA's best rebounders when leg injuries forced his retirement from the New Jersey Nets in 2000. After the shooting, he was suspended from his job as an NBA analyst for NBC.